Buying real estate in Portugal?

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Will real estate prices in Portugal go up in 2025?

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Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Portugal Property Pack

buying property foreigner Portugal

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Portugal's property market is experiencing unprecedented growth in 2025, with prices surging 15.8% year-on-year and the first quarter recording a 6.6% increase—the highest quarterly jump since 2007.

As international buyers continue to drive demand, particularly from the US and UK, the national average price has reached €2,722 per square meter, with Lisbon commanding premium prices exceeding €5,634/m² in city centers. Despite political instability following the March 2025 government collapse, the market shows remarkable resilience, though young Portuguese face an acute affordability crisis with urban properties increasingly out of reach.

If you want to go deeper, you can check our pack of documents related to the real estate market in Portugal, based on reliable facts and data, not opinions or rumors.

This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Readers are advised to consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. We do not assume any liability for actions taken based on the information provided.

How this content was created 🔎📝

At Investropa, we explore the Portuguese real estate market every day. Our team doesn't just analyze data from a distance—we're actively engaging with local realtors, investors, and property managers in cities like Lisbon, Porto, and Faro. This hands-on approach allows us to gain a deep understanding of the market from the inside out.

These observations are originally based on what we've learned through these conversations and our observations. But it was not enough. To back them up, we also needed to rely on trusted resources

We prioritize accuracy and authority. Trends lacking solid data or expert validation were excluded.

Trustworthiness is central to our work. Every source and citation is clearly listed, ensuring transparency. A writing AI-powered tool was used solely to refine readability and engagement.

To make the information accessible, our team designed custom infographics that clarify key points. We hope you will like them! All illustrations and media were created in-house and added manually.

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Fact-checked and reviewed by our local expert

✓✓✓

João Morais 🇵🇹

Founder | Real Estate Advisor, at Wilderness Investments

João Morais is an expert in the Portuguese real estate market. With a network of trusted connections and years of experience, João ensures a seamless experience, guiding clients through every step of the buying process, from property search to contract negotiations. After speaking with him, we reviewed the blog post, made some changes, and included his experience to make it richer.

How much have Portuguese property prices increased in the first half of 2025?

Portuguese residential property prices have experienced an extraordinary surge in the first half of 2025, marking one of the most dramatic periods of growth in recent history.

The first quarter alone recorded a remarkable 6.6% increase, representing the highest quarterly jump since 2007. This exceptional growth has pushed the annual price increase to 15.8% as of March 2025, a significant acceleration from the 11% growth rate recorded at the end of 2024.

The national average price per square meter has now reached €2,722 as we enter June 2025, reflecting a market that continues to defy expectations despite broader economic uncertainties. This rapid appreciation means that properties purchased just 12 months ago have gained nearly €400 per square meter in value.

It's something we develop in our Portugal property pack.

The momentum shows little sign of slowing, with transaction volumes remaining robust and demand continuing to outstrip supply across all major metropolitan areas.

Which Portuguese regions are experiencing the biggest price increases in 2025?

Regional price disparities in Portugal have become increasingly pronounced in 2025, with coastal and metropolitan areas commanding significant premiums over interior regions.

The Lisbon metropolitan area continues to lead the market with an average price of €4,935 per square meter, while premium neighborhoods like Bairro Alto have exceeded €6,700/m². Porto maintains its position as the second most expensive market at €3,950/m², driven by urban regeneration projects and a thriving tech sector.

Region Current Price (€/m²) Growth Rate Key Drivers
Lisbon Metropolitan €4,935 Very High Foreign investment, luxury demand
Algarve €3,467 9.3% annually Tourism, UK/US buyers
Porto €3,950 High Urban migration, tech sector
Centro €2,098 Moderate Domestic demand
Alentejo (Rural) €1,025 Low Value seekers

What are the current mortgage rates in Portugal as of June 2025?

Mortgage rates in Portugal have entered a more favorable phase for borrowers, declining to an average of 3.22% by early 2025.

This represents a significant decrease from the peak rates experienced in 2023, following the European Central Bank's strategic rate cuts designed to stimulate economic growth. The downward trajectory is expected to continue throughout 2025, with financial institutions competing more aggressively for mortgage business.

Despite these improved borrowing conditions, the combination of lower rates and persistently high property prices creates a complex affordability equation. While monthly mortgage payments have become more manageable, the higher principal amounts required mean that total borrowing needs remain elevated, particularly for first-time buyers attempting to enter the market.

Banks have responded by offering more flexible lending terms, including extended repayment periods and higher loan-to-value ratios for qualifying borrowers.

The central bank's monetary policy stance suggests that rates may stabilize around current levels through the remainder of 2025.

How does the May 2025 political scandal affect property prices?

The corruption scandal involving Prime Minister Montenegro and the subsequent government collapse in March 2025 created initial uncertainty in Portugal's political landscape.

However, the property market has demonstrated remarkable resilience in the face of this political turbulence. Transaction volumes have remained robust, with no evidence of significant investor pullback or market panic. International buyers, who represent approximately 40% of the market, continue to view Portugal as a stable investment destination with strong fundamentals.

The persistence of supply shortages and ongoing demand from foreign buyers has maintained upward pressure on prices despite the political instability. Market analysts note that Portugal's established legal framework for property rights and its pro-investment policies remain intact regardless of the political situation.

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The luxury segment, in particular, has shown no signs of weakness, with high-net-worth individuals continuing to acquire premium properties in Lisbon and the Algarve.

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buying property foreigner Portugal

What percentage of Portugal's property market is driven by foreign buyers in 2025?

Foreign buyers, particularly from the United States and United Kingdom, continue to exert significant influence on Portugal's property market in 2025.

These international investors concentrate their purchasing power in specific segments: Lisbon's luxury properties commanding over €5,000 per square meter, Algarve's beachfront homes, Porto's historic properties, Golden Visa qualifying properties, and high-end resort developments. Their participation is especially pronounced in the premium market, where foreign capital often represents 60-70% of transactions.

Portugal maintains an open policy toward foreign ownership with no restrictions, complemented by favorable tax regimes that enhance its attractiveness. The quality of life, political stability, and strategic location within Europe continue to draw international capital at unprecedented levels.

The luxury segment, which attracts the highest concentration of foreign investment, is forecast to grow another 4.5% in 2025, outpacing the broader market.

This sustained foreign interest provides crucial market liquidity but also contributes to pricing pressures that affect local affordability.

What is the property price forecast for Portugal through 2026?

Market analysts project continued price growth for Portuguese property through 2026, though at a potentially moderated pace compared to the current 15.8% annual rate.

The full-year 2025 forecast anticipates 10-12% growth, followed by a projected 6-8% increase in 2026. These predictions factor in the government's ambitious "Construir Portugal" strategy, which aims to deliver 59,000 new homes by 2030. However, the immediate impact of these policies is expected to be minimal before late 2025.

Key risks to the forecast include persistent supply constraints and potential construction delays, while mitigating factors encompass new housing policies and rural land reforms. The market's trajectory will largely depend on the successful implementation of government initiatives and the continued attractiveness of Portugal to international investors.

Construction sector recovery remains sluggish, suggesting that supply-side relief may take longer than anticipated to materialize.

Long-term structural factors, including demographic trends and climate considerations, may begin to influence market dynamics beyond 2026.

How do Portugal's current property prices compare to Spain's growth since 2015?

Portugal's property market has dramatically outperformed Spain's over the past decade, with prices increasing by 106% since 2015 compared to Spain's 48% growth.

This translates to an average annual growth rate of approximately 10.6% for Portugal versus 4.8% for Spain. The stark difference reflects Portugal's more successful attraction of foreign investment, particularly through programs like the Golden Visa scheme, and more acute supply constraints in key urban areas.

Country Price Growth 2015-2025 Average Annual Growth Key Factors
Portugal +106% ~10.6% per year Golden Visa, foreign demand, supply constraints
Spain +48% ~4.8% per year Larger market, more diverse economy

Which property types are seeing the biggest price surge in mid-2025?

The luxury segment dominates price appreciation in 2025, with premium properties experiencing the most dramatic increases across all categories.

Luxury apartments in Lisbon lead the surge with a 4.5% increase already in 2025, ranking among Europe's top appreciating markets. Algarve beachfront properties maintain strong momentum with 9.3% annual growth, driven by persistent demand from international lifestyle buyers.

Porto's historic buildings benefit from extensive urban regeneration projects, while new developments commanding premium prices for modern amenities and energy efficiency. Properties qualifying for residency programs continue to attract substantial international interest, maintaining price pressure in the €500,000+ segment.

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While government incentives target affordable housing, the reality is that luxury and mid-tier properties drive overall market growth more significantly than the affordable segment.

infographics comparison property prices Portugal

We made this infographic to show you how property prices in Portugal compare to other big cities across the region. It breaks down the average price per square meter in city centers, so you can see how cities stack up. It's an easy way to spot where you might get the best value for your money. We hope you like it.

What new government measures are affecting property prices in 2025?

The Portuguese government has introduced a comprehensive package of measures aimed at addressing the housing crisis in 2025.

These initiatives include tax exemptions for first-time buyers under 35, 100% financing options for young residents, public guarantees for qualifying buyers, rural land construction reforms to boost supply, and the ambitious "Construir Portugal" strategy targeting 59,000 new homes by 2030. The reforms represent the most significant intervention in the housing market in recent years.

However, the immediate impact on prices remains limited. While tax exemptions and enhanced financing options support demand, they prove insufficient to offset high prices and persistent supply constraints, particularly in urban areas. The measures may inadvertently contribute to price pressure by enabling more buyers to enter the market without corresponding supply increases.

Rural construction reforms show promise for long-term supply enhancement, but significant effects are unlikely before late 2025.

Political instability and coalition governance challenges may further complicate reform implementation timelines.

How affordable are Portuguese properties for young locals in June 2025?

Young Portuguese face an unprecedented affordability crisis in 2025, with urban property prices far exceeding local earning capacity.

Despite GDP growth projections of 2.35% for 2025, wage growth has failed to keep pace with property appreciation. In Lisbon, average rents now stand at 70% above what typical young professionals can afford, while Porto's rental market exceeds local capacity by 60%.

City Average Rent vs. Local Capacity Price-to-Income Ratio Affordability Status
Lisbon 70% above 15+ years Very Poor
Porto 60% above 12+ years Poor
Other cities 40-50% above 8-10 years Challenging

When will new housing supply start affecting Portuguese property prices?

The timeline for new housing supply to meaningfully impact prices extends well beyond 2025, with gradual effects expected over several years.

Late 2025 may see the first impacts of rural construction reforms, but these will likely be limited to specific regions. A moderate supply increase is anticipated for 2026-2027, with more substantial effects emerging as the "Construir Portugal" strategy progresses toward its 59,000-unit target by 2030.

Currently, the market remains in the early stages of these initiatives, with minimal immediate impact on pricing dynamics. The construction sector's slow recovery presents a significant challenge, as capacity constraints limit the speed at which new units can be delivered.

Political instability and the complexities of coalition governance may further delay reform implementation and project approvals.

Realistic expectations suggest that significant price moderation through increased supply is unlikely before 2026 at the earliest.

What are the long-term prospects for Portugal's property market beyond 2030?

Long-term projections for Portugal's property market present a nuanced picture influenced by demographic and environmental factors.

Through 2030, continued price growth is expected, though at moderating rates as new supply gradually enters the market. Foreign demand for lifestyle destinations is likely to remain strong, particularly in coastal areas and major cities. Urban areas will maintain their premium status due to economic concentration and infrastructure advantages.

Looking toward 2040-2045, significant demographic challenges emerge. Portugal's population is forecast to shrink and age considerably, potentially reducing domestic demand, especially in non-urban areas. Climate change impacts on coastal properties may begin to influence investment decisions and insurance considerations.

The market may bifurcate between internationally attractive locations maintaining strong demand and interior regions facing demographic pressures.

Strategic planning for these long-term trends will become increasingly important for investors and policymakers alike.

Conclusion

This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Readers are advised to consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. We do not assume any liability for actions taken based on the information provided.

Sources

  1. Statista - Portugal Property Market Statistics
  2. The Portugal News - Record Breaking House Price Increase
  3. Be Global Properties - Portugal House Prices Analysis
  4. Algarve Property - House Prices in the Algarve 2025
  5. Savory and Partners - Portugal Property Guide
  6. LinkedIn - 14 Essential Insights Portugal Real Estate 2025
  7. Portugal Buyers Agent - Lisbon Luxury Property Appreciation
  8. OECD Economic Outlook Portugal 2025
  9. Roca Estate - Construir Portugal Housing Strategy Impact
  10. The Portugal News - UK and US Luxury Buyers Focus